Math

Composition of functions.

Definition

Composition of functions is the process of applying one function to the result of another. Written as (f ∘ g)(x) = f(g(x)), you first evaluate the inner function g(x), then use that output as the input for f.

How it works · 3 phases

Step by step.

  1. Identify the inner function g(x) and outer function f(x)
  2. Substitute g(x) into every x in f(x)
  3. Simplify the resulting expression
Examples

Real-world.

  • 1 If f(x) = 2x + 1 and g(x) = x², then f(g(3)) = f(9) = 19
  • 2 A store applies a 20% discount then 8% tax — that's a composition of two functions
  • 3 Converting Celsius to Fahrenheit, then Fahrenheit to Rankine
Studied in

1 unit use this concept.